PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - Police in Portland, Maine say they are treating graffiti spray painted on a market that caters to Muslims as a hate crime.
Portland Assistant Chief Vernon Malloch says surveillance video shows a white male in a long black hooded sweatshirt painting the graffiti onto a side of the Halaal Market on Saint John Street at 5 a.m. Sunday. The graffiti was reported to police at 9 a.m.
Malloch said because of the content of the graffiti and its placement on a business that caters to the Muslim community, the incident is being investigated as a hate crime.
Malloch said the case will be referred to the attorney general’s office. No similar incidents have been reported.
Police are asking anyone with information to call 207-874-8584 to leave an anonymous tip.
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